This renovation project was all about creating a well thought-out kitchen space with a sense of flow. Home owners Cathy and Dave bought the house during lockdown but two previous kitchen-diner extension jobs hadn’t been well executed and needed a proper overhaul. Cathy said “the previous owners had done it the cheapest way without putting in proper structural bits. So with the ridiculously positioned pillar and arch it was a bit like a blooming playschool, we just need a round window to complete the set really.”
Young graduates Rupesh and Nigel from NMC’s sister company’s (New Meaning Training) Construction Skills programme were able to join the team. Cathy commented on how the team left the sink in working order for as long as possible and that each night after the workers had gone, Cathy noticed how clear and tidy it was. She said “The floor was so clean I could tiptoe across the kitchen without shoes on and they tidied away their props so we could still get access.”
Once work was underway a few new challenges came to light. Dave comments “when they took down the ceiling in the old extension we found that it was barely insulated, probably why our kitchen was so cold. We thought we’d end up with this fluffy stuff you put in the roof, but they used more solid stuff that they use in their energy efficient passive house builds. It has worked out to the good because we’re going to get a warm kitchen.” _Another challenge was how to optimise the corner space. Dave continued “they came up with some blooming brilliant ideas and suggestions. We totally trust them. I mean the walk-in pantry that they created is absolutely brilliant. It really is. Amazing. I think the team were a little dubious about the idea at first but then they got excited about how they could do it. I think they’re very proud of themselves. And so they should be, so I’m really very pleased.”_
On completion of the project Cathy and Dave said “We really feel very happy in recommending New Meaning Construction to family an d friends.”
Work undertaken
Extension remodelling and kitchen fit
- Remove pillar (ugly and blocked light)
- Remove concrete lintel (inadequate length and support)
- Steel support across the whole aperture
- Remove door and replace with window
- Remove window and radiator and replace with door
- Kitchen rewiring and replumbing
- Levelling floor across area of 2 previous badly executed extensions
- Took old ceiling down, applied insulaton and new plasterboard
- Plastered ceiling and walls
- Laminate kitchen flooring installation at 45 degree / diagonal angle
- Installation of Howdens kitchen
- Tiling, painting and decorating
- Light fitting in kitchen and dining room area
Other work
- Installation of Bi-fold doors from front room to dining rooom
- Front porch floor tiling
- Remove aerial and repair decayed
chimney pointing
